Dana White: Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson Should Have Been a Draw

Demetrious Johnson (Pictured) left Chicago with a unanimous decision victory over John Dodson and his flyweight title in tow on Saturday. However, UFC president Dana White believes “Mighty Mouse” should only be going home with the belt – maybe not even that.

“I have to watch it again, but I’m pretty sure I gave Dodson the first three rounds. If not, two of the first three rounds,” White told FUEL TV’s post-fight show.

The three judges sitting cageside scored the bout 48-47, 49-46, 48-47 in Johnson’s favor. However, that’s not where the controversy lies. In the middle stanza, Johnson accidentally kneed his opponent in the groin and time was called.

Referee “Big” John McCarthy did not warn Johnson nor deduct a point for the illegal strike.

In the 4thRound, Dodson was caught in a standing front-choke. Johnson didn’t notice Dodson’s hand was on the ground and unleashed a knee to his face.

Because Dodson’s mitt was on the canvas, he was considered a downed opponent and any leg strike to the head was considered illegal. Time was once again called and McCarthy once again opted to not subtract a point.

White believes the veteran ref should have docked Johnson a point for the second shot.

“I do think the point should have been taken away,” White stated. “Here’s the thing about it, it was absolutely an illegal knee, but it was an illegal knee that caused damage, too.

“After that, [Dodson] had a mouse on his eye. He definitely got damage from it. There should have been a point taken away for that.”

If McCarthy would have enforced the penalty, with everything else remaining equal, the championship affair would have resulted in a majority draw (47-47, 48-46, 47-47) and Dodson would likely be awarded with an immediate rematch.

Instead, Dodson will have to work his way back up the 125-pound totem pole, while Johnson posts his first successful title defense.